California's first city-run dental clinic opens in Pasadena

California's first city-run dental clinic in Pasadena celebrated its opening today, April 24, 2013, with services for the under-served population. A presentation by Los Angeles County Supervisor Michael Antonovich and city councilmember Jacque Robinson kicked off the event.

The clinic uses latest office designs and technology to serve patients who are elderly, HIV-positive, children and other who need full dental services but can't afford care.

Cabinets in the treatment rooms present a space free of clutter and reduce the chance patients may feel overwhelmed or intimidated.

A panoramic X-ray machine offers a 360-degree view of the patient's dental needs.

All forms and X-rays are done electronically.

Services are free or offered at reduced fees for income-qualified patients.

The Pasadena Public Health Department received more than $ 795,000 dollars to open the clinic. The majority of funds came from Supervisor Antonovich's office and Ryan White Funding from the LA County Department of Public Health.

An additional $ 1,500 came from Pastor Eisenlord of The Good Shepherd Church in Pasadena.

Some county health departments maintain dental services but the Pasadena clinic is the first municipal-based clinic in the Golden State.

The clinic is located at the Pasadena Public Health Department, 1845 N. Fair Oaks Avenue.

For more information about a range of services, log on to the health department's website www.cityofpasadena.net/publichealth.